People power: outdoor art gallery unveiled

Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture has now seen the launch of a vibrant new public art display - the Town of Culture Outdoor Gallery. Located around the Station Gardens redevelopment on Drake Street, this striking open-air exhibition features 24 artworks selected following an open callout by Culture Co-Op earlier this year, alongside two specially commissioned poems celebrating creativity, a showcase of students work from Rochdale Sixth Form College and Hopwood Hall College.

Transforming construction hoardings near Rochdale railway station, the gallery brings bold, inspiring visuals to a key gateway into the town centre. It’s one of several eye-catching creative improvements to public space across Rochdale, with future highlights including ‘Common Walls’ an urban arts festival in September, other large-scale murals, and pop-up exhibitions in Rochdale Town Hall Square. 

The outdoor gallery project has been delivered in partnership with Culture Co-op, Rochdale’s Creative People and Places organisation, and Rochdale Development Agency, funded by Arts Council England, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rochdale Borough Council. 

Artworks were selected by a panel of Cultural Pioneers: comprising residents representing Rochdale’s diverse creative communities. 

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “This gallery is more than just an art installation, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when we put culture and community at the heart of regeneration. By giving local people a voice in the selection process and by showcasing home-grown talent I think we’re really showing how public art has the power to connect, inspire and transform.” 

The gallery is open as of 28th April 2025, showcasing artists and their works, and giving commuters, residents and visitors a new way to engage with Rochdale’s thriving cultural scene. Scan the QR code next to each artwork to learn about the inspiration behind it.

The outdoor gallery is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene. Find out more at www.rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture and www.rochdalecreates.co.uk